As His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, celebrates his 82nd birthday anniversary and one year on the historic throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, renowned scholar and religious leader, Prof. Engr. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, has described the occasion as a significant moment in the continuing history and development of Ibadan.
For Prof. Olagoke, the twin celebration goes beyond the ceremonies surrounding a monarch’s birthday and coronation anniversary. It is an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of the Olubadan institution and the responsibility that comes with occupying a throne deeply connected with the history and destiny of Ibadan.
In an exclusive coronation anniversary interview with Westiife Magazine, Prof. Olagoke described Oba Ladoja as a monarch whose life experiences have prepared him for the enormous responsibilities of the Olubadan throne.
He pointed to the monarch’s background in entrepreneurship, governance, politics and cultural administration, saying the experience acquired over the years would be important in responding to the expectations surrounding the ancient throne.
According to him, “Oba Ladoja represents a wind of change,” and his reign offers Ibadan an opportunity for renewal, reform and further development.
He urged the people of Ibadan to support the monarch and remain committed to initiatives capable of advancing the interests of the city and its people.
Olagoke noted that the significance of Oba Ladoja’s first anniversary on the throne must be viewed against the background of Ibadan’s remarkable history.
He explained that the Olubadan institution is inseparable from the history of Ibadan, having evolved alongside the city from its early settlements, through its military ascendancy and political influence, to its emergence as a major centre of education, commerce, broadcasting and intellectual development.
According to the Founder of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide, the present Olubadan is the custodian of an institution that has survived different phases of the city’s development.
He recalled that the traditional leadership of Ibadan initially revolved around the Baale institution before the emergence of the Olubadan title. He noted that Oba Abbas became the first ruler in Ibadan to bear the title Olubadan of Ibadanland in 1930.
While the title evolved, Olagoke stressed that the fundamental responsibility of the traditional ruler remained unchanged — to lead, protect and serve the people.
He said, “Whether you’re a Baale… the functions are the same.”
The professor said this historical background makes Oba Ladoja’s first year on the throne particularly significant, as the monarch occupies a position whose roots are deeply connected to the struggles, survival and transformation of Ibadan.
He described the 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary as a moment to celebrate the monarch’s personal journey while also reflecting on his responsibility as the current custodian of the Olubadan institution.
Olagoke expressed the view that one of the major issues that could define Oba Ladoja’s reign is the long-standing aspiration for the creation of Ibadan State.
He said the monarch’s position and influence could prove significant in advancing the aspiration, adding that the eventual creation of Ibadan State could become one of the major hallmarks of the reign.
He also highlighted Oba Ladoja’s contribution to the Ibadan Circular Road project and expressed optimism that the project would eventually be completed.
For him, infrastructure development is important to unlocking Ibadan’s economic potential and positioning the city for greater development.
Olagoke further noted that Oba Ladoja’s responsibilities extend beyond Ibadanland, particularly as Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas.
He, however, advised the monarch to remain accessible to the people irrespective of their social standing, particularly those genuinely committed to the progress of Ibadan.
Reflecting on the city’s history, Olagoke said Ibadan had repeatedly demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to survive difficult periods and reinvent itself.
The first Ibadan disappeared. The second also disappeared. But the city survived and eventually grew into one of the most influential cities in Yorubaland.
It was against this background that he declared: “To me, Ibadan was established by God.”
As Oba Ladoja marks 82 years of life and one year of traditional leadership, Olagoke’s message is that the occasion should not merely be viewed as another anniversary celebration, but as a moment to reflect on the past, appreciate the present and look ahead to the future of Ibadan.
